Ohio University among top 50 public universities in latest 'U.S. News & World Report' ranking

ATHENS, Ohio (Aug. 20, 2004) -- Ohio University continues to be recognized with the nation's finest colleges and universities. Ohio University is ranked among the top 50 public national universities and the top 100 national universities in the 2005 U.S. News & World Report's "America's Best Colleges" edition. National universities are defined as those that offer a wide range of undergraduate majors and master's and doctoral degrees, with many strongly emphasizing research.

The magazine ranks Ohio University 46th of 162 public universities and 98th of 248 American universities in this category. In 2004, Ohio University was ranked 52nd of 162 public universities and 107th of 248 American universities in this category.

"This recognition underscores the quality of Ohio University and the ongoing commitment to provide the best possible educational experience for students," Ohio University President Roderick McDavis said. "While the value of a university reaches well beyond any set of rankings, U.S. News & World Report uses some specific criteria to determine its ratings. As a consequence, to be considered this highly among such an impressive group of colleges and universities speaks well of Ohio University."

The magazine uses a number of factors to measure excellence. Among the criteria are reputation among peers, graduation and retention of students, faculty resources, quality of incoming students, student selectivity, financial resources and alumni giving.